In June 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that France provides the best overall health care system in the world. Private medical insurance is mandatory for non-EU citizens wishing to take up residence in France. If you're planning to be in France for only a vacation or on a fact-finding mission, you may be covered for foreign holiday travel by your insurance company back in the States.
Once you move to France, you may be able to transfer your health care plan to a French provider, or even to one of the many British companies that specialize in providing cover for expatriates. The cost depends on your age and medical history, but if you're in good health, monthly premiums average $110. Private medical insurance covers hospital treatment, but you'll probably have to cover the cost of doctor visits yourself.
Doctors
The cost of a doctor's care in France depends on whether you elect to see a médecin non conventionné--that is, a private doctor--or a médecin conventionné, a doctor who works within the French Social Security system. Note that, in France, doctors do make house calls. The cost is a little more than for an office visit and more still for a house call at night, on the weekends, or on a public holiday.
Also, in France, you have to pay the doctor in his office as soon as your visit is finished, rather than when he sends you a bill.
If you're visiting the country and fall ill, you can ask for a doctor recommendation at the tourist office, a pharmacy, or at your hotel. Most professionals speak English. If all else fails, there's always the embassy or consulate. Unless you're really off the beaten track, the U.S. and Canadian embassies can provide you with contact numbers for English-speaking doctors in any particular area..
Hospital Treatment
The conditions for reimbursement for medical expenses vary from hospital to hospital. Unless it's an emergency, you should check into the reimbursement conditions before you are signed in for hospital treatment. For instance, your health care insurance policy may cover you for treatment only in a public hospital, not in a private clinic.
The French social security system covers treatment in public hospitals and clinics with conventionné status. You'll be reimbursed 80% for treatment the first month and 100% thereafter. All surgical expenses are reimbursed 100%. Regardless of treatment and surgery costs, you'll also be charged a non-reimbursable rate of approximately US$9.50 per day for bed occupancy. At private clinics with non-conventionné status, you'll be able to reclaim only about 10% of your medical expenses.
Learn more about health care in France in IL Postcards.
Health Care in France
France Offers the Best Health Care on Earth
In June 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that France provides the best overall health care system in the world. Private medical insurance is mandatory for non-EU citizens wishing to take up residence in France. If you're planning to be in France for only a vacation or on a fact-finding mission, you may be covered for foreign holiday travel by your insurance company back in the States.
Once you move to France, you may be able to transfer your health care plan to a French provider, or even to one of the many British companies that specialize in providing cover for expatriates. The cost depends on your age and medical history, but if you're in good health, monthly premiums average $110. Private medical insurance covers hospital treatment, but you'll probably have to cover the cost of doctor visits yourself.
Doctors
The cost of a doctor's care in France depends on whether you elect to see a médecin non conventionné--that is, a private doctor--or a médecin conventionné, a doctor who works within the French Social Security system. Note that, in France, doctors do make house calls. The cost is a little more than for an office visit and more still for a house call at night, on the weekends, or on a public holiday.
Also, in France, you have to pay the doctor in his office as soon as your visit is finished, rather than when he sends you a bill.
If you're visiting the country and fall ill, you can ask for a doctor recommendation at the tourist office, a pharmacy, or at your hotel. Most professionals speak English. If all else fails, there's always the embassy or consulate. Unless you're really off the beaten track, the U.S. and Canadian embassies can provide you with contact numbers for English-speaking doctors in any particular area..
Hospital Treatment
The conditions for reimbursement for medical expenses vary from hospital to hospital. Unless it's an emergency, you should check into the reimbursement conditions before you are signed in for hospital treatment. For instance, your health care insurance policy may cover you for treatment only in a public hospital, not in a private clinic.
The French social security system covers treatment in public hospitals and clinics with conventionné status. You'll be reimbursed 80% for treatment the first month and 100% thereafter. All surgical expenses are reimbursed 100%. Regardless of treatment and surgery costs, you'll also be charged a non-reimbursable rate of approximately US$9.50 per day for bed occupancy. At private clinics with non-conventionné status, you'll be able to reclaim only about 10% of your medical expenses.
Learn more about health care in France in IL Postcards.